So we always get rid of a negative first? Or was that just the easier way of doing that problem?

Get rid of the fraction as soon as possible is more like it.

The "negative", or negative exponent, means it should be in the denominator in that case.
Easier way of doing that problem? I don't know.
"Easier" is relative. It might be easier for you but it might not be for others.
In my case, I just solve any Propblem in any way I can. Easy or not easy way. For me, the solution is more impportant than the elegance of the solution.